List of wildlife volunteering programs across India..

Wildlife volunteering programs offer a great way for someone to experience the rich biodiversity of India. Firsthand, on the ground and out of the relative safety and comfort of a tourist vehicle. They provide you with a wonderful insight into the various wildlife conservation and research activities going on in the country. So its time for you to get off that couch, turn Animal Planet off and go live you own wildlife adventure.

The following are some out of the various of the volunteering programs available in the country. The list is by no means comprehensive, i'll keep it updated whenever i come across a new program. You can also help by leaving a comment about any program that is not there in the list and i'll update the post accordingly.

Do keep in mind that these programs are not 'mere' holidays. Some level of physical fitness is required for long walks in the jungle and there are always some dangers involved in working in the forests with wild animals around.

The Madras Crocodile Bank.

Fancy being a Crocodile Wrangler ? For a small daily fee the Madras Crocodile Bank offers volunteering programs for Indians and Foreigners alike to get hands on experience working in the field of reptile conservation. They also cater to people interested in conducting research on reptile conservation. For more details please head to their website given below.

Agumbe Rainforest Research Station

Touted as the Cherrapunji of the South, Agumbe enjoys some of the heaviest rainfall in India. And the Agumbe Rainforest Research Station (ARRS) is the only permanent rainforest research center in India. Anybody interested in wildlife adventure, research or wanting to pursue field studies can participate in the projects/surveys conducted by ARRS or visit the place for a rendezvous with nature.

Sea Turtle conservation programs.

With its coast stretching over 7500km, India attracts many turtles to its coasts for nesting. There are many organizations across the country working to conserve and create awareness about the plight of the endangered Oliver Ridley sea turtle. Here's a list of few such organizations.

Students Sea Turtle Conservation Network - ChennaiDuring the nesting season (between December and April) they conduct walks along the beach in Chennai (from Neelankarai to Besant Nagar) looking for Turtle eggs and relocate them to a safe place. 45 days later when the hatchlings emerge they safely release them into the sea.

Rushikulya Sea Turtle Protection Committee - OrissaThe mouth of the Rushikulya river on the Orissa coast is one of the most important breeding areas for the Oliver Ridley turtle in India. A group of motivated village boys of Purunabandha village, Ganjam, near Rushikulya formed the Rushikulya Sea Turtle Protection Committee (RSTPC) aimed at protecting the nesting turtles.

Centre for Wildlife Studies (CWS), Bangalore

The Centre for Wildlife Studies (CWS), is a non-profit trust based in Bangalore, Karnataka. CWS offers regular field training programs for volunteers from all over the country (Indian citizens only for safety and legal reasons). Many of their programs are conducted in Karnataka in places like Nagarahole, Bandipur, Bhadra, Anshi-Dandeli, Kudremukh, Sharavath, BRT etc. They do offer programs in other parts of the country as well.

Hyderabad Tiger Conservation Society

The Hyderabad Tiger Conservation Society (HYTICOS) focuses on Tiger and Leopard conservation in Andra Pradesh. The group focuses specially on the protection of the Kawal Wildlife Sanctuary, taking part in the annual Tiger and Leopard census conducted in the area and educating the local communities about conservation.

Sahyadri Nisarga Mitra and Maharashtra Pakshimitra - Maharashtra

The Sahyadri Nisarga Mitra carries out various conservation activities along the Konkan coast of Maharashtra. Their main programs seem to be related to sea turtle conservation and monitoring the bird population in the area. Membership is required to participate in their programs.

The Maharashtra Pakshimitra is a platform for bird watchers from all over Maharashtra to get together to raise awareness regarding bird conservation and conduct bird census and many other programmes. 500Rs gets you a lifetime membership in the organization and enables you to take part in their various activities.

Andaman and Nicobar Islands Environmental Team (ANET)

Located on the southern tip of the South Andaman Island, the Anadaman and Nicobar Islands Environmental Team (ANET) provides opportunities for its volunteers to participate in its conservation and community building projects. Depending on the time of year, volunteers help with tree planting, office work, base maintenance, data entry and field work. Volunteers may assist in any research program or activity.

The exact costs for the volunteer program is not mentioned, and may depend on the time of the year and other considerations. For more details on how to apply for their volunteer program please contact them on info@anetindia.org.